Simplify your routine – be gentle to yourself. Listen to the the sights and sounds around you. Eat more mindfully, tone, stretch breathe, and relax!
In Canada, .. July 1. is Canada Day!
Brighten up your day with happy thoughts, shared moments. Its been a long time since I’ve been inspired to just sit down at my computer and put together a visual thought. A thought /verse or moment that pops up in my head and simply needs to be visualized.* If you are a writer/artist, you know about those moments when “inspiration hits”… we say.. “Oh, great idea” and then we move on to doing something else or finishing what we were doing when the “idea” came to us. –hours later we have forgotten, that “moment” has disappeared, we vaguely recall some of it.. but the “bright light” has dimmed.
In trying to be more observant of my reactions, I am doing my best to notice my feelings – positive, negative and neutral… I know when I am mindful … I get a sense of freedom. The mind is always chasing who, what, why of our experiences. Today during service, I will do a mindful meditation .. to reconnect with the spaces between the many thoughts that bounce around in my head. I will let a thought come, notice it, and let it go.
Instead of immediately chasing after a pleasant idea, or instantly running away from something unpleasant, I’ll step back .. notice what is happening.. and simply observe. LOL sounds easy.. believe me it takes practice.. but so well worth it. Join me?
Good morning.. I went back through my files.. to find this picture that Num took some time ago, this rabbit, (ok one like it) gave me a very pleasant visit yesterday. I had come back from my “mindful” walk earlier that I expected to. The mosquitos/biting insects* were just to hungry. Cloudy overcast, off and on drizzle kept the film crew away, so I was totally alone in that stretch of woodlands. I was feeling a tad grumpy I had been viciously attacked during my walk, through my clothes and despite the “keep away” bug sprays and lotions.
Once I took off my rain gear, put away my carving knife and the piece of wood I was working on, I felt watched. Closing the trunk I turned to walk around the car to get in .. and found that I was being watched. At a safe distance sat this young rabbit just watching me. I had seen him/her earlier as I came closer to the parking area.. running in and out of the tall vegetation that lined the path I was on. I was surprised that it didn’t turn tail and run.. it just sat there as if it was wondering what this odd two legged creature was doing..
The birds that had been feeding and going about their morning routine had also taken an interest.. was it because I was alone, there were no other beings around, certainly the film crew was not around, nor were any of the regular “bird watchers” or dog owners .. it was just too damp and muggy. I got in the car, started the car, and watched as the rabbit hopped away when the engine started. For some reason, I turned off the motor and just sat there… he/she reappeared peaking out from the brush. With the motor off, I simply sat there, turned the radio off and just watched to see what would happen.
LOL I got a taste of what the animals must feel like when humans come around pointing cameras /binoculars etc. at them. The rabbit boldly came up closer to look up and into the car at me.. then ran around so it could see from all sides of the car.. I won’t swear to it, but I think it was being playful, it began to run across the road down into the little gully and around the outer rim of the parking lot, showing its stump and long legs as it ran, pranced and explored the grounds all around the car. Always checking and looking back to see if I was watching. (fyi this is a dead end road that is only used by people who know this area exists)
I am not a person who just sits in my car. but here I was.. just sitting and watching the antics of my little friend who was obviously keeping me company. This took place for a good 15 minutes, till my phone came alive.. and broke the “spell”. I was given a reminder.. that one need not always be “doing something” or “on the move”.. maybe an old dog can be taught “new tricks” or reminded of past lessons that have been put aside or not practiced.
During my walk, even tho’ I was being bitten and bothered by flying dive bombers*… I did notice that my mindful walking has been improving.. I walk slower, quieter and even though I’m whittling, I’m finding a way to be present in a way that blends in with my surroundings. The birds along the way, were not flying away when I approached, they were accepting of my presence. I’m a long way from having the “stillness” and mindfulness that I am wanting.. but progress is being made.
Be cheerful and friendly with those around you. Other people* can sense how you are feeling. So be cheerful
Perfect Liberty 2022. 24
You never know who is watching or paying attention to YOU
just because we don’t see .. doesn’t mean there are no “eyes” on you.
* I had huge big bites/welts on upper arms and neck that itched like crazy (through my layers of clothing!!!
Have you ever found that for some reason you are just not able to keep up with the others on the trail or path.?? Do you need to keep up?? What is the purpose of your outing? Is it to go a great distance or to enjoy the moment? Is it, time out in nature, or exploring new parts of the city/town you live in or near. For whatever reason you find yourself “out of step”.. when you notice it.. it is at that moment you need to explore the thought…
PL Precept # 18 Each moment is a turning point.
PL Precept # 19. Begin once you perceive.
When you get stuck.. take a step back.. When you are able to see things objectively, your viewpoint will change and you will receive new wisdom
In life nothing is ever “simple”… the lake may look calm, but under the surface there is a multitude of activity in all shapes and sizes. Decide what it is important, and let it happen. Find a way. Stay positive.
Does the past ever walk up to you and say…”hi” “remember me” – when you clean up/ clear out, boxes are found, files, old correspondence, pictures. There are a couple of you that have traced your families back, I am fascinated when I read the detail and the wonderful stories you uncover. In my world, I live in the moment (most of the time)..so when my extraordinary friend (she loves organizing, sorting and the like) (like.. there is such a person in my life…!!!) came down and said,” you should look at these”(she had opened an old briefcase** she came across when trying to put some order to what remains of my husband’s offices …
Like the plant, I just keep on trucking… I like space to move ahead, explore, to live each moment as it comes. Sometimes these is a lot of “happening” all at once, and then there are dry spells… always there is change.
I have around me, beautiful gardens and landscapes, I appreciate them, I do… but I am the plant that grows in the cracks along the roadside, or in unwanted/unused spaces. “When there is a will, there is a way”.. the picture brought back memories.. long road trips to hotels/nightclubs in distant places. We played 6 nights of the week, traveling on the 7th day to the next gig, unless we were booked for 2 weeks. We were a “show band”.. lead guitar, bass, and drums.. side men were added depending on the lounge or club we were playing and what the venues wanted. At one place, we even arrived to find that there was a stripper booked at the same time.. her back up didn’t show. we got to play for her… now that was a hoot!
Today is the 21st. there is a service this evening at the church 7 pm. Service of Appreciation. – When we live each day doing our best, and being “present”… there are few regrets.. just memories that help make the person you are today.
Thank you thank you, thank you. Let’s live with gratitude towards everyone and everything all day today.
Perfect Liberty 2022.21
Oyashikiri
wish I still I had the dress to see if I can still wear it.. yeah sometimes the ego just won’t shut up.
** I have yet to really look at all that is in the briefcase, I will..
When you face difficulties start with anything you can do. When you are able to grasp the situation, you will surely be able to notice something that you can do.
Perfect Liberty 2022. 12
Yesterday I found a dead rabbit. It was a beautiful rabbit, it looked peaceful in its eternal sleep. I couldn’t see why or how it had died, the body lay empty on the path. What to do. I could walk around it if I was careful, but it was in a place where many others would need to pass to get on the trail. the opening was only a few feet wide.. and he lay right at the narrowest part of the entry.
My concern was the young children heading for the trail would see him.. perhaps think it sleeping and curious gone over to touch or see it. Or.. the dogs that are walked there, one would get at it, and then… that wouldn’t be good for the visitors either. I had recently cleaned out my car, I had no shovel, and no garbage bags.. in the end.. I called the emergency number for the area… and had to leave it to them to come clean up.. Being a Saturday, she didn’t know if she could get anyone before Monday.
Week-ends are the busiest at this location. Because of the storm the other three trails there are roped off, there is only this one trail open, and the only access to it was this narrow opening.
Sometimes all one can do is “trust” that it will all work out.
You can be with God by having a prayerful mind. Let’s pray for World Peace. We are all one big family. Let’s start by praying for the happiness of those around us.
Perfect Liberty 2022.11
Find compassion with others by thinking of things you have in common: ” Just like me, this person wishes to be well and happy” Then take a moment to send them some kind wishes.
a quide to mindfulness 3..22.
the night is dark, my thoughts simple
In the quiet as I sit in the evening shadow
I know the light in the room is You
I need only close my eyes to feel your presence
with gratitude and appreciation I allow the night to draw me in
There is a calm that wrapes like a balmaround my restless heart
When I allow my mind to clear of all that is shallow/unnecessary
It’s easier to adapt to something when we find it interesting. No matter how enjoyable a situation is, a slight change in our attitude can make it boring. Let’s face any situation with curiosity and enthusiasm.
Perfect Liberty 2022.10
Welcome to new readers, I would be remiss in not biding you a good day! It is such a warm rush of pleasure when I see that we have new members in our “community”.. When I read today’s calendar I asked myself the question.. “how am I adapting with the many changes that have happened in my life over the month of May.”
May was painful in many ways.. the anniversaries of my Mother’s passing, my husbands passing the major storm that left me without power for a week plus. I felt at times like a rubber ball being bounced over large sharp edged boulders.
if I was one of my warriors – this would be a selfie
Nature will continue to flourish and grow around the warrior … soon he won’t be seen the vegetation will become so dense. Time will work on the fresh wounds and soften the jagged edges. Reality – there is o going back.
Many of you have experienced simliar aches, even if the causes are comletely different – you know what it is to feel sadness that overwhelms. It is important to not overlook or try to diminsh that “fact”… The rebuilding is slow, and I now know can take not days and weeks, but months and maybe even years … to move comfortably into “now”.
Research has shown that there is a reason we love a sad movie. (sad film paradox) They talked and asked questions of hundreds and thousands plus people…. we like to be moved, to feel connected to what it is to be human, to be reminded of our inextricable connection to one another. Their study revealed a highly significant positibve correlation between sadness and enjoyment. This association is sequential. Sadness leads to feeling moved, which in turn leads to enjoyment.
Grief does not obey your plans, or our wishes. Grief will do whatever it wants to you, whenever it wants to. In that regard, Grief.. had a lot in common with love.
Elizabeth Gilbert
Tomorrow the 11th. is Ancestors Day, service will be at 10: a.m. if you are able to attend we will see you there, if you cannot attend, please take time to share a silent moment with us from wherever you are.
TAOIST Life is Art (Perfect Liberty precept #1)
contact info.- via blogs
--- there are two energies, Yin and Yang = ONE
---to have balance we must live each moment
of our lives.. with Makoto (sincerity)
The only constant in life is change. I am grounded in the reality of Living.
This is true, in all worlds. RL or virtual. I am me and only me.
dymoonblog 